Council tax help for disabled people and carers

Disabled Band Reduction Scheme

If your home has been adapted or has extra space because of a disabled person who lives there, your bill may be charged at one band lower. (If your home is already in the lowest band, you get a reduction instead.) This can apply if your home has:

• an extra bathroom or kitchen needed by the disabled person
• a room, other than a bathroom, kitchen or toilet, used mainly for the disabled person's needs, such as for therapy or equipment
• extra space for using a wheelchair indoors

It does not depend on income. Apply to your council.

Severe mental impairment

People with a severe mental impairment, such as dementia, a severe learning disability or a severe brain injury, can be disregarded for council tax. This means:

• if they live alone, or only with others who are also disregarded, the home may be exempt from council tax
• if they live with one other adult, the bill can be reduced by 25%

They need a doctor's certificate and to get a qualifying benefit, such as PIP daily living, DLA care (middle or higher rate), Attendance Allowance or ESA.

Carers

Some live-in carers can be disregarded, which may reduce the bill, if they care for at least 35 hours a week and are not the person's partner or the parent of a child under 18.

Council Tax Reduction

If you are on a low income or get benefits, you may get Council Tax Reduction (sometimes called council tax support). Each council runs its own scheme in England. Apply to your council.

Backdating

Many councils will backdate these discounts, sometimes by several years, if you were eligible but did not claim. Ask.